Vibrator system

ABSTRACT

A unidirectional impact vibrator is provided which includes a sleeve member having a tapered bore therein for positioning upon a correspondingly tapered pin member. An adaptor unit is provided which may be affixed to a surface to be vibrated, and which includes a pin member having a taper corresponding to the taper of the bore in the sleeve of the vibrator provided.

United States Patent 1 1 [111 3,731,9fl7 Lash ay 8, 1973 [54] VIBRATOR SYSTEM 3,408,876 11/1968 Andrews ..259 1 R x I t D B. L h H t T [75] men or on as ous on ex Primary Examiner-Robert W. Jenkins [73] Assignee: National Air Vibrator Company, Assistant Examiner-Alan I. Cantor Houston, Tex. Attorney-Tom Arnold et al.

[22] Filed: July 8, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl' 160878 A unidirectional impact vibrator is provided which includes a sleeve member having a tapered bore therein 52 US. Cl. ..2s9/1 R, 259/DIG. 43 POSitioning a F member. An adaptor unit is provided which may be [51] Int. Cl. ..B0lf 11/00 58 M is h 259/1 R DIG 41 affixed to a surface to be vibrated, and which includes 1 0 care a pin member having a taper corresponding to the 259/1316 248/239 taper of the bore in the sleeve of the vibrator provided. [56] References Cited 14 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,207,322 9/1965 Pedersen ..248/239 X P/P/Of? A/PT PATENTEDHAY 8l975 1, 7,,

SHEET 2 OF 2 VIBRATOR SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to vibrators, particularly to vibrators of the pneumatic type, in which no mounting bolts are necessary for attachment of the vibrator to the surface on which the vibrator is to be employed.

Vibrators of the pneumatic type are in common use and are widely known and used for a variety of purposes, for example in aiding the removal of grain or other bulk materials from bins and hoppers. Many such vibrators are utilized in industrial processes and for other uses, by positioning the vibrator against the surface of a container within which the movement of bulk material is facilitated by the vibratory action.

In the past, all such vibrators known to applicant have been affixed to the surfaces against which they were employed by means of mounting bolts which typically were secured to such surfaces through a mounting plate affixed to the surface to be vibrated. For example, in the FIG. 1 illustration of a prior art construction, there is shown a hopper 12 within which bulk material is stored that it is desired to move with aid of a vibrator 10. The pneumatic vibrator 10 includes an air hose 18 for entry of air to drive the piston therein, and a mounting plate 14 welded to the surface of hopper 12, mounting bolts 16 extending through the mounting plate and base plate 17, and thus firmly securing the vibrator to the surface of hopper 12.

The use of mounting bolts as illustrated in FIG. 1 presents one of the most serious problems encountered with the use of vibrators, i.e., the vibrator impacts, which in most vibrators occur in very rapid successionmany times a minuteact to separate the vibrator from the mounting plate against which it is positioned, by loosening the mounting bolts. This creates a maintenance problem that is most severe and often critical. The mounting bolts must be continually checked by an operator to be assured that the positioning of the vibrator against the surface is sufficiently tight to attain the desired degree of bulk removal, and to prevent disengagement of the vibrator from the mounting plate and possible damage to the vibrator. This maintenance requirement results in great expense and in many cases considerable inconvenience as well.

It would be desirable if vibrators of this type could be provided wherein such mounting bolts or the equivalent would not be required. This invention provides such a vibrator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a vibrator, desirably of the pneumatic type, which may be secured to the surface to be vibrated without using mounting bolts which have given so much trouble in the past because of the maintenance problems inherent with their use.

The objects of the invention are accomplished by a vibrator which includes a piston therein which impacts in a single direction. The vibrator includes a sleeve at the end thereof in the direction of piston impact, which sleeve has a bore therein that tapers to a maximum diameter at its end opposite the main body of the vibrator. The taper of the bore is such that the sleeve is adapted to be positioned onto a correspondingly tapered pin member which is joined to the surface to be vibrated.

Although in some instances an existing pin member will be employed, for example the vibrator pin member of an electrostatic precipitator, for other contexts of use an adaptor unit is provided which includes a plate member and a pin projecting therefrom, the pin member tapering to a minimum diameter at the end thereof opposite the plate member, and the taper of the pin at least generally corresponding to the taper of the bore in the sleeve.

The sleeve may be constructed as an integral part of the vibrator housing, or it may be separately constructed and securely affixed thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, exemplary embodiments thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates prior art structures;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of a vibrator constructed in accordance with the invention, shown in connection with a standard pin member to which the vibrator may be secured;

FIG. 3 is an adaptor plate and pin constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention wherein the vibrator is not to be secured to an existing pin member;

FIG. 4 is a plan view, partially in section, of vibrator and adaptor plate constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, showing the vibrator in a horizontal position; and,

FIG. 5 is a side view of a vibrator and adaptor plate similar to those shown in FIG. 2, showing the apparatus in another position of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS hopper 12.

A vibrator 20 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, the vibrator 20 is adapted to be positioned onto a standard existing rod or pin member, such as the precipitator pin 22 of an electrostatic precipitator. The pin 22 is tapered to its minimum diameter at the flat end 24 thereof.

The vibrator 20, which is positioned in the vertical position atop the pin 22 in the FIG. 1 orientation, comprises a cylindrical housing 26 (refer to FIG. 4) defining a piston chamber therein, and within said piston chamber a piston member 28 which in the FIG. 1 orientation assumes an initial position of rest on the base plate 30. Upon entry of a slug of air or other fluid through the entry port 32, the piston is adapted to overcome the effect of gravity to lift off the base plate 30, and thence to impact against the base plate.

When the vibrator is in a horizontal orientation of use as in FIG. 4, urging means are desirable for biasing the piston to an initial position adjacent the head plate 36 and for returning the piston to its initial position following impacting thereof against the base plate 30. Such means desirably comprises a spring 38. The piston 28 is desirably constructed of a body portion 40 having a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the housing 26, and a portion 42 of smaller diameter at the end thereof nearest the base plate 30, thereby forming on the piston 28 a shoulder 44. The spring 38 desirably fits between the base plate 30 and the shoulder 44 around the portion 42 of the piston, the spring being compressed upon impacting of the piston against the base plate, and acting against the shoulder 44 to urge return of the piston to its initial position.

The head plate 36 is desirably constructed for convenient detachment and may be affixed to housing 26 by suitable means such as the bolts 37. Regardless of whether the vibrator is oriented for use in the horizontal position, as in FIG. 4, or any other position, following striking of the piston 28 against the base plate 30, the air or other fluid exits from the housing 26 through one or more exhaust ports 34 located adjacent the head plate 36, thereby forming an air cushion adjacent the head plate 36 to protect the piston from impact against the head plate.

The impact of the piston 28 is thus unidirectional in the direction toward the pin 22.

Means are included for removably attaching the vibrator to the pin 22, and such means desirably comprise in accordance with the invention a sleeve 46 having a tapered bore 48 as the inside diameter surface thereof, the bore 48 tapering to a maximum diameter at the end 50 thereof remote from the base plate 30. The sleeve 46 is preferably integral with the vibrator 20 as in these embodiments, but in some contexts of use might possibly be constructed as a separate part and securely afflxed to the base plate 30 by any convenient means.

The taper of the bore 48 is constructed to substantially mate with and correspond to the taper of the pin 22 in a manner such that a snug fit is accomplished between sleeve and pin.

The invention is useful not only in those embodiments wherein the vibrator is intended for use on an existing pin such as the precipitator pin 22, but in other environments as well. In FIG. 3 there is illustrated an adaptor 52 which includes a flat plate member 54 with a pin 56 projecting therefrom. The pin 56 may be integral with the plate 54 or may be separately formed and cast or otherwise securely affixed thereto by welds 60 or other suitable means. The pin 56 tapers to a minimum diameter at its flat end 58 at the end opposite the plate 54.

The relatively simple and inexpensive adaptor 52 may be secured more or less permanently, for example by welding, to any surface against which it is desired to use a vibrator 20, and it is a relatively simple matter to construct a pin 56 and sleeve 46 with bore 48 which will mate, utilizing a taper of generally the degree shown in these embodiments or by use of greater or less angles of taper. A tapered pin member joined to the surface to be vibrated may thus be provided by means of an existing pin such as the pin 22, or a specially constructed pin such as 56.

Air or other suitable driving fluid may be introduced into the housing 26 through the entry port 32 by convenient means such as a flexible hose 62.

In operation, the vibrator 20 having the sleeve with tapered bore attachment, is positioned upon an existing pin 22, or upon a pin member 56 of a suitable adaptor member 52, as is dictated by the context of use in which the vibrator is to be employed, and the flexible hose 62 is attached to the entry port 32 and to a suitable source of fluid under pressure [not shown] such as an air supply.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIG. 4: as the fluid is brought into the entry port 32 the piston 28 overcomes the bias of the spring 38 and impacts against the base plate 30, compressing the spring. The force of the spring acting against the shoulder 44 then returns the piston to its initial position removed from the base plate 30, the air awaiting exit through the exhaust ports 34 (one or more of which is desirably included on each side of the housing 26 in order to center the piston in the housing and balance the wear on the piston and housing for longer service life) serving to cushion the piston upon its return to its initial position and prevent it from impacting against the head plate 36.

It has been found, surprisingly, that this unidirectional impacting of the piston 28 in the direction toward the pin 22 (or 56) is sufficient in combination with the mating tapered bore and pin, to retain the vibrator 20 upon the pin and prevent disengagement regardless of the position of the vibrator. For example, it has been found that the vibrator will not disengage from the pin in the position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, which is surprising, as well as the position in FIG. 2 (in which position disengagement would not be expected). In fact, it has been discovered through actual testing of the vibrator 20 in each of the positions illustrated, that it is rather difficult to disengage the vibrator from the pin after only a very few impacts of the piston against the base plate. It has been found, however, that such removal may conveniently be accomplished in one of at least two ways: one, by application of a fluid such as grease under pressure through a suitable release fitting such as illustrated at 64 in FIG. 4; or secondly, by removing the head plate 36, removing and reversing the piston 28 in the housing, replacing the head plate, and backing off the vibrator from the pin by activating the unit to cause impacting against the head plate.

Testing has also revealed that there is no significant loss of efficiency resulting from the inclusion of the sleeve 46 between the vibrator 20 and the surface 66 which it is desired to impact. The sleeve 46, as well as the vibrator 20, is desirably constructed of cast ductile iron or steel or other material suitable for transmitting vibratory impact without significant damping effect.

It is seen from the above discussion taken in conjunction with FIGS. 2-5 that a vibrator and system are provided which make it possible to eliminate mounting bolts which have given such persistent problems in the use of prior art vibrators of the general type described.

Although the invention has been described in terms of the particular preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes and modifications might be made in the structures illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims. For example, even though the tapered bore and pin have been illustrated as circular in cross-section, it might be possible to utilize other cross-sectional arrangements, and

the term diameter is employed herein to indicate the maximum distance across said cross-sectional area.

What is claimed is:

1. A vibrator adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising:

a housing having a piston member therein which is effective for impacting in a single direction;

a sleeve on said housing at the end thereof which is impacted by said piston;

a bore in said sleeve, said bore tapering to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite said piston;

said vibrator being adapted for positioning upon a tapered pin member which is joined to said surface to be vibrated, by fitting said sleeve upon said pin member.

2. A vibrator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.

3. A vibrator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pin member is an existing pin member.

4. A vibrator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pin member is separately constructed as a part of an adaptor unit and thence affixed to said surface to be vibrated.

5. A vibrator system wherein a vibrator is adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising:

a vibrator, including a housing having a piston member therein which is effective for impacting in a single direction,

a sleeve on said housing at the end thereof which is impacted by said piston,

a bore in said sleeve, said bore tapering to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite said piston;

an adaptor affixed to said surface to be vibrated, said adaptor including a pin member tapering to a minimum diameter at its end opposite said surface,

the taper of said pin member corresponding generally to the taper of said bore;

said vibrator being adapted for positioning upon said adaptor by fitting said sleeve upon said pin member.

6. A vibrator system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.

7. A vibrator adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising:

a housing defining a piston chamber;

a head plate at one end of said housing;

a base plate at the other end of said housing;

a piston in said chamber;

urging means engaging said piston biasing said piston to an initial position removed form said base plate;

means for introducing into said chamber fluid under pressure whereupon said piston will overcome said urging means and impact said base plate, said urging means then acting to return said piston to its initial position following such impact without significant impact against the head plate;

a sleeve on said vibrator at the end thereof adjacent said base plate, aid sleeve including a bore therein which tapers to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite saidbase plate to mate with a tapered pin member oined to said surface to be vibrated. 8. A vibrator in accordance with claim 7, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.

9. A vibrator in accordance with claim 7, wherein said pin member is an existing pin member.

10. A vibrator in accordance with claim 7, wherein said pin member is separately constructed as a part of an adaptor unit and thence affixed to said surface to be vibrated.

11. A vibrator adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising:

a housing defining a piston chamber;

a head plate at one end of said housing;

a base plate at the other end of said housing;

a piston in said chamber, said piston assuming an initial position in said chamber;

means for introducing into said chamber fluid under pressure whereupon said piston will be removed from its initial position and impact said base plate, said piston being returned to its initial position following such impact without significant impact against the head plate;

a sleeve on said vibrator at the end thereof adjacent said base plate, said sleeve including a bore therein which tapers to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite said base plate, to mate with a tapered pin member joined to said surface to be vibrated.

12. A vibrator in accordance with claim 11, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.

13. A vibrator in accordance with claim 11, wherein said pin member is an existing pin member.

14. A vibrator in accordance with claim 11, wherein said pin member is separately constructed as a part of an adaptor unit and thence affixed to said surface to be vibrated. 

1. A vibrator adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising: a housing having a piston member therein which is effective for impacting in a single direction; a sleeve on said housing at the end thereof which is impacted by said piston; a bore in said sleeve, said bore tapering to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite said piston; said vibrator being adapted for positioning upon a tapered pin member which is joined to said surface to be vibrated, by fitting said sleeve upon said pin member.
 2. A vibrator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.
 3. A vibrator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pin member is an existing pin member.
 4. A vibrator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pin member is separately constructed as a part of an adaptor unit and thence affixed to said surface to be vibrated.
 5. A vibrator system wherein a vibrator is adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising: a vibrator, including a housing having a piston member therein which is effective for impacting in a single direction, a sleeve on said housing at the end thereof which is impacted by said piston, a bore in said sleeve, said bore tapering to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite said piston; an adaptor affixed to said surface to be vibrated, said adaptor including a pin member tapering to a minimum diameter at its end opposite said surface, the taper of said pin member corresponding generally to the taper of said bore; said vibrator being adapted for positioning upon said adaptor by fitting said sleeve upon said pin member.
 6. A vibrator system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.
 7. A vibrator adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising: a housing defining a piston chamber; a head plate at one end of said housing; a base plate at the other end of said housing; a piston in said chamber; urging means engaging said piston biasing said piston to an initial position removed form said base plate; means for introducing into said chamber fluid under pressure whereupon said piston will overcome said urging means and impact said base plate, said urging means then acting to return said piston to its initial position following such impact without significant impact against the head plate; a sleeve on said vibrator at the end thereof adjacent said base plate, aid sleeve including a bore therein which tapers to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite said base plate, to mate with a tapered pin member joined to said surface to be vibrated.
 8. A vibrator in accordance with claim 7, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.
 9. A vibrator in accordance with claim 7, wherein said pin member is an existing pin member.
 10. A vibrator in accordance with claim 7, wherein said pin member is separately constructed as a part of an adaptor unit and thence affixed to said surface to be vibrated.
 11. A vibrator adapted to be secured to a surface which is to be vibrated without mounting the vibrator to the surface by means of mounting bolts, comprising: a housing defining a piston chamber; a head plate at one end of said housing; a base plate at the other end of said housing; a piston in said chamber, said piston assuming an initial position in said chamber; means for introducing into said chamber fluid under pressure whereupon said piston will be removed from its initial position and impact said base plate, said piston being returned to its initial position following such impact without significant impact against the head plate; a sleeve on said vibrator at the end thereof adjacent said base plate, said sleeve including a bore therein which tapers to a maximum diameter at the end thereof opposite said base plate, to mate with a tapered pin member joined to said surface to be vibrated.
 12. A vibrator in accordance with claim 11, wherein said sleeve is integral with said housing.
 13. A vibrator in accordance with claim 11, wherein said pin member is an existing pin member.
 14. A vibrator in accordance with claim 11, wherein said pin member is separately constructed as a part of an adaptor unit and thence affixed to said surface to be vibrated. 